Valsalva retinopathy in Nigerians: A case series

Abstract

Valsalva retinopathy is considered rare. Patients present with sudden visual loss due to premacular hemorrhage. Treatment depends on the presentation. Three patients presented to us between 2013 and 2022 with sudden visual loss caused by Valsalva retinopathy. Case 1 was a 26-year-old female primigravida with right premacular hemorrhage after severe vomiting which was treated with pneumatic displacement with air. Case 2 was a 23-year-old male with left premacular hemorrhage. He had no memory of a Valsalva maneuver. He had vitrectomy for premacular dehemoglobinized non-resolving hemorrhage. Case 3 was a 27-year-old pregnant female with left premacular hemorrhage after vomiting. She was managed conservatively. Large, dense, or non-resolving hemorrhages require treatment while small hemorrhages may spontaneously resolve. The patients had different treatment strategies with good outcomes